The days of famils gone wild have long gone. Now, what happens on a famil, goes on TikTok… before you even get off the plane.
Famils are designed to immerse travel professionals in a destination or product, giving them the firsthand knowledge they need to sell it with authenticity and confidence. But while you’re there to experience the luxury, culture, and quirks of a place, there’s another unspoken task: behaving in a way that ensures you’re invited back.
The reality is simple: your actions on a famil can make or break future opportunities. One misstep — whether that’s overindulging, being late to group activities, or treating the experience as a holiday rather than a work trip — can stick with you longer than you’d like. And with social media amplifying everything, it’s more important than ever to find the balance between having fun and staying professional.
As one seasoned travel host puts it: “We want agents to enjoy themselves and really get to know the destination. But if someone starts behaving inappropriately, it doesn’t just reflect poorly on them, it also impacts the group and, in some cases, the destination itself.”
Are famils still necessary?
“Being able to share your own personal experiences with clients makes all the difference,” Hollyday Travel owner and manager Holly Velardo tells Karryon.
“By visiting a place yourself, you can show your clients how incredible these locations really are.
“You can speak passionately about what you’ve seen, heard, and experienced first-hand in order to better entice them to visit.”
And with the advent of social media, agents on a famil can now inspire travel to a destination, says Velardo.
“Social media and travel technology plays a huge part now in being able to showcase these destinations to your clients.”
To post or not to post?
Famils are now about more than just educating agents, they’re also about marketing. Hosts may expect participants to share their experiences on social media, highlighting the best parts of the trip. But be careful: what you post can also send the wrong message.
That lavish dinner may look fantastic on your story, but are you including context about why it’s a great experience for your clients? And while the view from your luxurious hotel room is definitely worthy of a post, does it reflect the real selling points for your target market?
Remember, your audience isn’t just your followers, they’re your potential clients.
A good rule of thumb? Always ask yourself, “How does this benefit my customers?” before hitting post. Stay focused on showing the features that will help your clients get excited about the destination, not just the perks you’re enjoying.
FALSE: What happens on famil, stays on famil
Even before Fthe advent of social media, famil hosts and participants had long memories and big mouths. Behaving poorly does not help you to get on another fam.
Aside from following basic rules of human decency, hosts’ expectations are pretty easy to meet. They want you to have a good time so that you can share your experience with your clients. Just have a good time… in moderation. And be friendly, but not too friendly (if you know what I mean).
It should go without saying, but here it is: what you do on a famil speaks volumes about your professionalism.
This means:
- Be punctual. Yes, jet lag is real, but keeping everyone waiting isn’t a good look.
- Participate. Even if you’re not a fan of a particular activity, be gracious—remember, you’re there to experience everything so you can sell it better.
- Limit the alcohol. Sure, you might get a complimentary cocktail or two, but no one wants to deal with a hungover agent who can’t keep up the next day. Have fun, but know your limits.
Building relationships that last
When you’re on a famil, you’re not just representing yourself; you’re representing your company, and potentially your clients. Treating the experience with respect can help foster valuable connections with hosts, hoteliers, and other agents. And the travel world is small — your reputation can precede you.
Being polite, showing gratitude, and maintaining a friendly attitude goes a long way. Remember, many famil hosts are repeat players in the industry. If you make a positive impression, chances are you’ll be invited on more trips. On the other hand, if you’re known as the agent who skips activities or complains about minor inconveniences, your invites might start to dwindle.
The best way to approach a famil? Think of yourself as an ambassador both for your agency and for the destinations you’re exploring. Hosts want you to have a memorable time so you can return home and sell with enthusiasm. But at the same time, they need you to stay mindful of what you’re representing.
